THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CAFÉS IN MANHATTAN

With so many cafés in Manhattan, I have made it my mission to create this short list of the ones I want to get lost in, the ones I want to impress friends with, the ones I want to go back to time and time again. These cafés rise to the opportunity to transport you out of the city’s high energy and into a hyper-curated world of its making.

Please know, I will be adding to this list as I encounter more cafés that I’d recommend in this way!

FELIX ROASTING CO.

Felix Roasting Co Nomad 450 Park Ave S, New York, NY 10016 Additional Locations C+C Blog Post

One of my very favorite cafés, Felix Roasting Co. captures the definition of “design is in the details”. The elegant woodwork, the fashion-inspired color palettes, and the innovative coffee menu come together to create a curated high-end perfectly coffee-centric world. These cafés have that put-together quality that you get when you see a fashion model who pulls off a sophisticated pattern meets color-blocked look that you can’t fathom mixing yourself but would love to wear if someone laid it out for you. This café will surely impress any and everyone you bring there.

MAMAN

Maman Upper East Side 1424 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10028 Additional Locations C+C Blog Post

Enter a Parisian world with distressed woods, whitewashes, glass floral lamps, and faux vines and flowers climbing the façade and moments within the interior. Sit amongst the reclaimed pews and definitively plan to splurge on pastry or dish because all of the food is so good—plus, you will want to stay and relax a while so you’re sure to get hungry while you are there.

PATISSERIE VANESSA

Patisserie Vanessa 1340 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10128

Enter the red brick corner building and live amongst its oversized windows that illuminate the predominantly white space, below the terracotta hanging lamps that match the terracotta planters filled with lavender that are scattered throughout the space, and explore the glass case filled with perfectly crafted Parisian pastries. This Patisserie pays the perfect homage to the south of France. When you visit, please make sure to climb up the stairs and enjoy people-watching from the intimate mezzanine level.

RALPH’S

Ralph’s Madison Avenue 888 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10021 Additional Locations

As with the rest of the Ralph Lauren flagship store, once you walk inside, you are teleported into a curated world, the world of Ralph. Once upon a time, their café was upstairs, now it is more accessible by the front door. Sit in the floral wallpapered space with deep green leather banquettes, or walk up to the to-go counter where baristas are so well put together that they are tittering on the line of wearing costumes. It’s less of a warm vibe and can be read as a more posh experience—a fashionista’s must.

BLUESTONE LANE

Bluestone Lane Museum Mile 1085 5th Ave, New York, NY 10128 Additional Locations

As a Jewish girl living on the Upper East Side, I don’t often recommend church visits … but when I do, this is the one I am talking about. Coffee has a powerful pull. The architectural stonework arches are stunning in the yellow glow of the lights hanging inside. It’s a heavenly experience (wink, wink).

BLACK STAR BAKERY

Black Star Bakery Upper East Side 1597 York Ave, New York, NY 10028 Additional Locations

It’s not the quaint black-and-white interior I’m raving about, it’s the backyard outdoor space. With new wooden plank tiled floors, white fringed umbrellas, woven chairs, and a wooden playhouse for the kiddos, this family-friendly café is a regular go-to secret feeling oasis for my crew.